Moving into a new home should be a celebratory experience but it requires planning to minimize the stress of it all. Creating a moving checklist will help you stay organized and efficient during all aspects of your move, whether you’re deciding what to pack first, when to pack, who will pack, etc.
It’s never too early to start planning your moving checklist. You should first pick the best date for you to move and decide who will help you, whether that be professional Denver movers, friends, or family. If you’re going with professional movers, you’ll want to get that set up right away to ensure the date and services you need are available.
When to Create a Moving Checklist?
Once your move date is set, you’ll need to create a list of tasks to be done before moving day. Two months before your move would be the ideal time to start your moving checklist. We suggest giving yourself at least a month to complete your packing.
What Should Be on Your Moving Checklist Before You Move?
As we mentioned, you should give yourself 1-2 months to complete everything on your moving checklist. The more time you give yourself, the less pressure you’ll feel. Below are the tasks you may want to include so that you can check each one of these off of your list.
Take Time Off Work
Request any time off you need ahead of time. If you want to give yourself time to get settled in, extra time might also be nice.
Make Travel Plans
For long-distance moves, figuring out the logistics should be on your checklist. If you’re driving your own moving truck, plan your route and make sure you schedule the moving truck for an appropriate amount of time.
If movers are driving, figure out if you will need to book hotel stays, flights, or other accommodations.
Small Repairs and Cleaning at Your Current Place
Not only will this help you get your security deposit back if you’re a renter, but moving when everything is already clean and organized will save you a hassle. Replace outlet covers, patch any small holes or knicks in the walls, and do a deep clean of each room.
Switching Over Services and Utilities
Plan when to transfer utilities to your new address, such as electricity, water, internet, and gas. If you’re moving to a new area, you may need to find new providers for each utility in that area. We recommend leaving the water and electricity on at the place you’re moving from in case you want to do any cleaning after everything is moved.
Decide What to Move
Don’t spend your time moving items that you’ll ultimately want to get rid of. Before a move is a great time to sort through things like clothes, children’s toys, media, furniture, and other items you could easily donate.
Change Your Address
Change your address about two weeks out from your move. Report your new address to the USPS, Secretary of State, and other institutions. Don’t forget about banks, insurance companies, subscription services, and medical offices.
Packing Tips for Your Move
Perhaps the most important thing on your moving checklist, packing can also be the most overwhelming task. That’s why we recommend packing a small amount each day rather than all at once.
Divide the tasks and encourage everyone in your household to pack their own bedroom. Start with the items that you can go without until after the move. Many moving companies also offer packing services if you choose to go that route.
Not all boxes are built the same so it may be worth it to purchase new boxes that will hold up in the move. Be sure to use three strips of tape on each side to seal the box and pack boxes with weight in mind. The boxes should all be labeled with the room that they belong in.
On the Day of Your Move
Now is the day you’ve been waiting for and if you have kept close track of your moving checklist, it should be a breeze. Which tasks should be on your list for the big day?
- Pack your valuables and transport them yourself – birth certificates, social security cards, sentimental items.
- Get together everything you need to be comfortable – clothes, phone chargers, water bottles, child’s favorite toy, etc.
- Do one final walkthrough at the old home to make sure nothing is left behind.
- Have cash on hand to tip your movers or for any last-minute items needed.
- Invite your friends and family to help and make the move more enjoyable.
- Assign someone to direct the movers where to go while unloading.
- Once the movers are finished, do a walkthrough of your new home to make sure everything is in the right place and assembled properly.
- Set up lamps and ensure that all lighting works on the day of your move so that you’re not taken by surprise trying to set everything up in the dark.
What Should You Do After the Move?
The first step after your move is complete is to take a breath and congratulate yourself on a successful move. After all of the planning and consulting your moving checklist, you did it! But, what now?
Unpack Your Bathroom
Bathroom necessities should be the first thing unpacked and set up. A nice hot shower or bath after a long day of moving might be just what you need!
Unpack Your Kitchen
Set up essentials such as a microwave, toaster oven, and coffee maker right away. Make sure that perishable food gets put away.
Unpack Your Bedroom
Nothing will feel better on the first night in your new home than sleeping in your own bed. Unpacking and cleaning your bedding is the third thing on your post-moving checklist.
Take Care of Your Helpers
Be sure to tip your movers. If your friends and family helped out, treat them to a meal and thank them for assisting.
Break Down Boxes
Break down your boxes and clean as you unpack. Your movers may want to buy them back or you can donate them.
Leave A Review
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Moving takes a lot out of you, but you can make it less stressful with these tips. Hiring a team of professional packers and movers will also help. Fill out our free online estimate form, and let’s see how we can support you on your moving day.